Orthodox Themes in Diary and Works by A. V. Zhigulin

Abstract

For the first time the question of images and themes related to Orthodox religion and Orthodox culture in the diaries and literary works of the outstanding poet and writer, former prisoner of Stalinist camps, native of the Voronezh region Anatoly Vladimirovich Zhigulin (1930-2000) is raised. Object of research are the materials of the personal archive of the writer, received in 2011-2013 for permanent storage in the Voronezh literary Museum named after I. S. Nikitin. The diary entries of A. V. Zhigulin that open new, unknown pages of his life and creativity, make additional touches to the history of Russian journalism and literature are introduced into the scientific circulation,. Attempt is made to analyze the attitude of A. V. Zhigulin to matters of faith, religion, Orthodoxy at different stages of life and creative path of the writer. In the results of comparative analysis it is concluded that the basis of many poetic works and part of the text of the autobiographical novel “Black stones” on the theme of spirituality became diary entries by A. V. Zhigulin of different years. According to the author, archival materials and literary works by A. V. Zhigulin testify to his positive attitude to the Russian Orthodox Church, a high estimation of the role of Orthodoxy in the history of the state and the spiritual education of the people, the formation of personality, philosophy, moral development, and citizenship.